Are you an entrepreneur who’s experienced the challenges of displacement, marginalization, or exclusion, and are now turning those struggles into solutions for your community? If so, the 2025 Western Union Global Fellowship could be the game-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
This fully-funded fellowship is tailor-made for impact-driven leaders working with refugee, displaced, or marginalized communities. Whether you run a nonprofit or a social venture, this program equips you with the tools, mentorship, funding, and global network to scale your impact sustainably, and authentically.
Let’s break it down. Here’s everything you need to know about what the fellowship offers, who should apply, and why this could be your next big step.
What is the Western Union Global Fellowship?
The Western Union Global Fellowship is a fully-funded impact fellowship powered by the Watson Institute and supported by Western Union. It’s designed for bold entrepreneurs and community leaders who are either from, or working closely with, refugee and marginalized communities.
This is not your average fellowship. It’s about real-world leadership, practical skills, and global connections, focused on creating systemic change from the grassroots up.
Important Dates & Time Commitment
- Fellowship Duration: August 25 – December 16, 2025
- Virtual Immersive Experience: Begins August 25
- Virtual Summit: December 16
- Weekly Commitment: ~8–10 hours (includes sessions on Tuesday–Thursday, 8:30–10:30 AM MT)
- During Immersive Weeks: Expect 10–15 hours/week
What will the Fellows receive?
Here’s what you’ll gain if you’re selected for the Fellowship:
Pitch Development & Visibility
- Learn how to effectively communicate your mission
- Develop a professionally recorded pitch video for your venture
- Gain exposure to funders, ecosystem leaders, and potential collaborators
Leadership & Skill Development
- Attend weekly workshops focused on strategic planning, fundraising, and scaling impact
- Build resilience and adaptability for navigating the entrepreneurial journey
- Strengthen leadership capacity through hands-on practice
Expert Mentorship
- Receive personalized 1-on-1 mentorship
- Join group mentorship sessions and peer learning circles
- Work closely with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence throughout the program
Network Expansion
- Join a global cohort of changemakers across 15+ countries
- Gain lifelong access to the Watson Institute’s community of alumni and partners
- Build deep, collaborative relationships with other impact entrepreneurs
Basecamp Stipend & Community Engagement
- Lead your own 1–3 day workshop (called a Basecamp) in your community
- Receive a stipend and training to design and run the event
- Use this opportunity to uplift local talent, share tools, and deepen your impact
Who can apply to the Western Union Fellowship?
This program is specifically designed for social entrepreneurs who:
- Come from or work closely with refugee, marginalized, or displaced communities
- Have already launched a venture (for-profit or nonprofit) with a proven business model
- Are actively serving underrepresented or underserved populations
- Are now ready to scale and deepen their work
Countries from where applications are highly encouraged but not limited to:
Costa Rica, Argentina, Lithuania, the Philippines, the United States, Brazil, Uganda, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, Germany, Colombia, Japan, and Pakistan.
What makes this Fellowship different?
Unlike many fellowships, this one doesn’t just talk about social impact, it builds it from the ground up. From offering a stipend for community events to creating space for local leadership and storytelling, the Western Union Global Fellowship empowers you to:
- Test and refine your ideas in the real world
- Gain international exposure without having to relocate
- Engage with other entrepreneurs solving similar challenges globally
It’s not just an award, it’s an accelerator for long-term, systemic change.
Application Process: What to Expect
- Submit Your Application
Takes about 30 minutes to complete. Priority deadline: July 1, 2025
(Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after that) - Application Review
The admissions team looks for entrepreneurs with strong missions and scalable impact. - Zoom Interview
If shortlisted, you’ll have to attend a 20-minute conversation to discuss your journey and goals. - Final Selection
Accepted fellows will be notified by July 25, 2025 and must confirm enrollment to secure their spot.
Ready to apply? Start your application here.
Do you think you have what it takes?
The 2025 Western Union Global Fellowship isn’t just for dreamers. It’s for doers, entrepreneurs like you who are ready to turn local struggles into global impact. Whether you’re based in a refugee community in Uganda or building a healthtech startup in Pakistan, this program can help you amplify your mission.
Don’t miss your chance. Submit your application by July 1st, 2025 for priority consideration.